Ultrasonographic examination in the second trimester of pregnancy

Baby Shelly 3D Ultrasound offers the second trimester screening, which typically takes place in the 18+0 to 20+0 weeks of pregnancy. The research focuses on foetal structural defects (thorough evaluation of morphology of foetal organs). The evaluation of such markers for chromosome defects like Down's syndrome is another part of the test. Sometimes, the markers reflect only minor foetal morphological changes. Measurements of nasal bones, nuchal thickening, renal pelvis, middle phalanx scale of the fifth digit, etc. belong to this group of markers.

Patients are recommended by the geneticist to be suspicious of chromosome abnormality and amniocentesis is prescribed. Amniocentesis findings are typically available within three weeks. Such special methods of extracting the sample of the amniotic fluid should be used to achieve findings faster, typically in two journeys (FISH-Fluorescence in Situ Hybridisation, or QF-PCR – Quantitative Fluorescence – Polymerase Chain Reaction).

Special 3D/4D techniques that can be used in evaluation of the fetal heart

These special methods are not used regularly and others are experimental (for example representation of the foetal heart using the "Sono AVC - Sono Automated Volume Calculation" technique as it is shown on the image below). These can be used to support 2D imaging and to enhance the spatial representation of certain heart disorders. It also reveals some imaging planes in the heart that are impossible to do with classical 2D ultrasound tests.